The latest flat-screen TVs need to look as good as they perform, says STEPHEN FENECH

THE first wave new of flat-screen TVs by Samsung and LG have hit the stores.

LG SCARLET 

The new model from LG is being marketed as if it were a new TV series complete with an attractive female star, but once the high-budget trailer is over we soon realise they are talking about a series of TVs.

We were given one of the first 106cm (42-inch) models to review and from the moment the box was opened we were impressed with the slim-line panel.

The screen measures less than 4.5cm thick and has a red back panel. From the front, the 42LG60 has a glossy black appearance with the red edges of the back panel visible on each side.

The stand is silver and features red highlights on the front edge. 

The svelte appearance of the 42LG60 is largely down to the large panel below the screen, where much of the circuitry is positioned.

Inside this panel is a large decorative power indicator that glows a deep red when the screen is off.

Once on, the inner beauty of the screen is revealed, including full HD resolution and 50,000:1 contrast ratio.

The first view of the picture at its factory settings had excellent colour while the contrast and black levels were above average.

Also on board is an intelligent  sensor, which can adjust the TV’s brightness and optimise picture quality based on the light in the room.

This can also reduce power consumption by up to 50 per cent. 

Another attractive feature is the 24p TruCinema, which means it can display films at the native 24 frames per second. 

LG came up with a way to provide quality sound without a speaker in sight.

The result: invisible speakers.

Sound is generated by using minute vibrations of the entire TV cabinet. 

Despite being tuned by a renowned audio expert, the speakers sounded thin at times.

On the connectivity front, users will find four HDMI connections – three on the rear panel and one on the side.

The 42LG60 LCD TV is priced at $2499 and is available by phoning 1800 725 375 or going to lge.com.au

SAMSUNG 650

When we saw the Samsung 650, the first thing that came to mind was the paint job on a sports car. 

The bezel of the new 127cm (50-inch) LCD has a distinct red tinge and the metallic look of the duco is something one would find in a motor-vehicle showroom rather than an electrical department.

Samsung has called its new TV Crystal Design.

It was approached by the manufacturer in equal parts as a work of art and entertainment equipment.

The new look is the result of technology – a dual injection technique that was originally developed for premium car manufacturing in Germany.

The 116cm (46-inch) 650 we saw provides a stunning, full high-definition picture with head-turning colour, clarity and contrast that stands clear of rival LCD screens.

Also on board is 100Hz capability, which means the viewer will see a smoother picture because the 650 inserts more images per second on screen.

This is ideal for sports fans and action-movie buffs.

There are four HDMI connections, including one on the side of the panel, so it’s possible to connect a Blu-ray Disc player, gaming console and other high-definition devices.

Samsung’s WISELINK allows users to connect USB devices, such as digital cameras, thumb drives and digital media player, to the screen to enjoy their content on a larger screen. 

The Samsung Series 6 LCD 116cm is priced at $3849 and available by phoning 1300 362 603 or going to samsung.com.au

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